Can’t Find Meeting Rooms? We got you!

Date: Tue Sep 20 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Isn’t it annoying when you can’t find a meeting room? Or worse, you get kicked out without finishing your meeting because you could only book it for one hour when you needed two!

This is a common problem with many business entities today. Traditional offices simply do not have enough meeting rooms available to accommodate everyone that’s having a meeting.

And everyone’s having a meeting.

This issue is exacerbated now that businesses have downsized to smaller offices or moved into coworking spaces. A coworking space may give you access to more meeting rooms, but there are also more companies having meetings.

Having spoken with multiple CXO/Facility Managers looking into office closures and downsizing, there are genuine concerns that employees, managers and executives will not have access to rooms where they can conduct client, team and project meetings.

Fortunately, there are solutions.

Virtual Meetings

Companies that have adopted the hybrid working model or work remotely full-time, can take advantage of technology to hold virtual meetings. You don’t have to book a meeting room when all the participants are connecting from the comfort of their own homes.

Virtual meetings are also cost-effective and reduce your carbon footprint – and thus contribute to a healthier ESG rating. You can also record virtual meetings which can save time typing up the minutes of the meeting.

However, virtual meetings also have a downside. A common problem is that poor internet connections are disruptive. When the connection keeps breaking up, people miss what you’ve said and you have to repeat yourself. This prolongs the meeting and you’re tight on time as it is.

The much-talked-about “Zoom fatigue” is also a factor. Virtual meetings are not as productive as in-person meetings and remote workers often get ignored. Because you’re not all in the same room, the energy and dynamic are diluted.

Not only that, but researchers at Stanford University found that in-person meetings are more satisfying, psychologically and emotionally. Participants are also more focused and creative during face-to-face meetings. In virtual meetings, we zone out.

Access Multiple Meeting Rooms With BluDesks

Whilst virtual meetings are fine for short check-in meetings when you need to get into the nitty-gritty of a subject matter, in-person meetings are the best option.

If you can’t find a meeting room in your office building, look for vacant meeting rooms elsewhere. Ordinarily, that would be impossible, but with a BluDesks membership, you have a simple and effective solution at your fingertips.

BluDesks gives you access to multiple meeting rooms close to where you live. Meeting rooms are available at an hourly rate. There are no fixed fees or monthly subscription payments, and therefore, no risk of paying for space when you’re not using it (unless you cancel the meeting within less than 24 hours of your scheduled booking).

There are plentiful meeting rooms available through BluDesks. You will find appropriate meeting rooms in various sizes, fitted with multiple plug sockets, TV/audio equipment and refreshments available on request.

Can’t find a meeting room. Join BluDesks today and access multiple meeting rooms whenever you need one.

5 Benefits of Satellite Coworking Spaces

Date: Mon Sep 12 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Now that more companies are pivoting to a hybrid model, employers and employees are turning to coworking spaces that provide amenities and facilities you would expect from a fully-functional office.

Another trend we’re seeing is that companies are taking advantage of the benefits of Satellite coworking spaces. This makes a lot of sense for a lot of employees.

Rather than simply relocating your office from a traditional rented space and moving into a coworking office in a central location, utilising coworking spaces as satellite offices gives your staff more convenience and flexibility.

Avoiding Long Commutes

A Flexjobs survey revealed that 65% of UK employees sent home to work remotely during the pandemic do not want to return to the office. Avoiding the commute was cited as the leading reason.

Satellite offices mean your employees have a shorter commute. That means they save time and money, but not only that, sitting in traffic jams can be frustrating for some people, especially when they’re busy or just want to get home.

Avoiding long commutes improves the mental health of your employees – both in the workplace and at home with their families. When people are less stressed and frustrated, they have more energy and a better frame of mind to focus on their job.

Lower Carbon Footprint of Your Business

Shorter commutes also mean your employees – and thus your business as a whole – uses less fuel. This lowers your carbon footprint which translates into a higher ESG rating (Environment, Sustainability and Governance).

Access Multiple Meeting Rooms

Some days, finding a meeting room can be a real pain. What’s more, if you’re on a fixed-term contract in a coworking space that includes meeting rooms, you’re paying for office space that you’re not always using. That’s money you could be putting to good use.

BluDesks solve two problems. We provide coworking space that you rent by the hour. You simply block out the time and pay for the appropriate hourly rate. So that saves you money.

In addition, we provide access to multiple coworking spaces, you have multiple options to find an appropriate meeting room that fulfils your needs – even for impromptu, last-minute meetings.

Help To Improve Employee Wellbeing

Another key insight to come out of the draconian lockdowns was how employees felt isolated and lonely. The fact of the matter is that some people (extroverts) need to be around their colleagues for company. It’s not a coincidence that anxiety and depression cases went up during the pandemic.

Satellite offices help to nurture the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees. Simply being around other people and interacting with colleagues helps to improve mood and establish a bond.

Supports Culture, Collaboration and Cohesion of Teams

Satellite offices make it easier for colleagues that live in the same part of the city to congregate in an office that is conveniently situated closer to their home. By adopting dedicated coworking spaces as satellite offices, you can maintain your company culture and facilitate collaboration and cohesion.

Work From Home Racking Up Your Energy Costs? Checkout our cost-effective coworking spaces!

Date: Tue Aug 23 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

The idea to work from home couldn’t have come at a worse time. As energy consumption was ramped up during the lockdown, the supply of fossil fuels was heavily depleted. Energy companies have since raised their prices to keep up with current demands.

Energy prices have increased by 66% since October 2021. And the government is contemplating a further increase of 40-50% this coming October.

The average cost of household energy bills in 2021 was £1400 a year. It is estimated this figure will rocket to over £3600 this winter. Employers and employees are feeling the weight of the rise in home utility costs.

In times of economic pressure, every cost-saving on offer can help businesses and employees to navigate lean periods. If you’re concerned about running up an energy bill you will struggle to pay, a cost-effective solution is to take advantage of local coworking spaces.

BluDesks make finding a cost-effective coworking space near you even easier. With a single login, you have access to hundreds of affordable hotdesks, private offices and meeting rooms. And coworking spaces also offer several other benefits.

Working With Others

Coworking spaces are great working environments for people that prefer to spend time around others. Whether you operate better when you’re surrounded by the buzz of a busy office or you feel lonely and isolated working from home, coworking spaces are a great place to be around people.

Businesses also have the opportunity to expand their network. Lots of other companies take advantage of shared office space so you never know which doors will open for you. For freelancers, coming into contact with other businesses can be invaluable for building your client base and your portfolio.

But for people that do feel lonely and isolated working from home, being around other people helps you to nurture your emotional well-being. The statistics collected during the pandemic highlighted what damaging effects feelings of isolation and loneliness can have on your mental well-being.

Loneliness is linked with depression. During the lockdown, the number of people with depression in the UK increased by 28%. This is a strong indication that feeling isolated can play a significant role in your emotional well-being.

Cost-Effective Coworking Offices

When it comes to finding a coworking space near you, BluDesks make it as easy as possible. We provide you with a platform that hosts multiple coworking spaces all over the UK so it’s easy to find the ideal space close to your home.

Taking advantage of coworking spaces in your local area cuts down on the cost of travel and enables you to manage your time better. You could even walk or cycle to work to give your personal well-being an extra little boost.

And with coworking spaces available for as little as £2, our cost-effective solutions can help you to get through a potentially tricky financial period. You can turn your heating off whilst you’re not at home.

 

Is There Any Need For Regional Offices Anymore?

Date: Tue Jun 14 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

For many companies, the pandemic demonstrated they can still operate when employees are not in the office. As a result, more than 80% of UK businesses have adopted a hybrid working model.

In turn, companies with multiple offices have discovered they can significantly cut costs by closing smaller regional offices. Some companies are even dispensing with their main office in favour of coworking spaces. This is a move that makes sense for a number of reasons.

Whilst the hybrid model does have advantages, there is still a need for an ‘in-person’ workplace. Team members sometimes need to work together and meetings are inevitable.

The workplace also plays an important role in attracting top talent and providing support for new starters and younger people learning their trade. This is where coworking offices give you more flexibility.

Coworking Space is Cost-Effective

Cash flow is likely to be a growing concern for numerous businesses moving forward. The cost of renting office space in larger cities will put a larger dent in your budget deficit.

One of the main draws of working in shared offices is the reduction of overheads. Not only do you reduce the cost of rent but you don’t have to invest in other office-related equipment such as furniture and facilities, refreshments and decor.

Less Impact on the Environment Improves your ESG Rating

Today’s companies are judged on ESG scores. We have already seen how ESG ratings influence investors in the stock market. ESG could also influence consumer purchasing decisions.

The impact a business has on the environment does prompt consumers to decide whether they want to associate with a particular company. Your ESG score takes into account how much energy you use, your carbon emissions and how much water you use.

Using the facilities provided by coworking spaces benefits a company’s ESG metrics because it shows you are making positive steps to be environmentally responsible.

Better for Staff

Employees have mixed feelings about working from home. Whilst they feel the financial benefits and have more time for themselves, there is still the urge to spend time around colleagues.

There is no question that the hybrid working model suits employees across the board. Employees that feel they are happier and more productive in an office environment still have the option to work in an office.

On the flip side, if they have a long commute, they lose the benefits of working from home. BluDesks resolve this issue by providing coworking spaces from multiple locations so each individual employee can choose where they want to work from.

One Membership, Multiple Choices

Our single registration coworking space gives you access to over 200 office locations in London and more than 1500 facilities. We have also teamed up with offices in other major cities throughout the UK and the world. So no matter where your employees are based, they can take advantage of our co-working spaces.

The ability for your employees to choose where they want to work means there is no real need for regional offices. It also means that employees that prefer an office environment can avoid long commutes most of the time.

Why Are Coworking Spaces So Important For Us Today?

Date: Tue Oct 5 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

There’s no doubt that the last year and a half has been pretty tough for everyone. The shakeup of the working world has been a test for people who are used to the hustle and bustle of office life. Plenty of people have been forced to adapt to working from home, which has taken a toll on those that thrive on human interaction. 

Now that people have been gradually returning to the office to work after so long, coworking spaces have become more popular and important to business owners and freelancers. Working from home has shown employers and business owners that it can be difficult for people to control their own productivity and motivation. This means that having a dedicated space where people can work remotely can be really important and beneficial. 

What Are Coworking Spaces? 

Coworking spaces are flexible alternatives to a traditional office environment. These innovative spaces are shared workspaces where people can work amongst other similar professionals and have access to various office essentials at a reasonable cost. 

Flexible office space in London and other major cities worldwide is low-cost compared to office buildings. Instead of being tied down to a long-term contract, you can sign up for a membership with no commitments instead, and you only pay as and when you need the coworking space. Included in that price is everything you need to get some work done, such as printers, wi-fi access, scanners and projectors. 

Advantages Of Coworking 

To understand why private office space in London is so important today, it’s a good idea to explore the benefits of using coworking spaces. There are several advantages to take note of: 

Buzzing Atmosphere

You get an excellent, positive vibe from using coworking spaces. People tend to be stimulated and encouraged when working in the company of others who are in similar circumstances. Your mood will also be lifted by the available facilities, such as a comfortable chair, furniture, office supplies and in some cases there’s unlimited tea and coffee. 

Boosts Business 

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer or small business owner, private office space rentals are perfect for helping you gain a reputation within your business. It’s a professional and great way to collaborate with partners, set up meetings with clients and network with other business owners in a setting that has a positive, community feel to it. Not only that but you will find that you are able to organise and plan your day better which will make you work more efficiently.  

Facilities And Benefits

The extra perks you get included in the price of renting coworking space exceeds expectations. Not only do you have a desk and chair, but you also have access to fast internet, all the office supplies you need, food and drink (available in some places) and the ability to book a coworking space in many locations all over the world. You won’t have to worry about spending extra on printing costs, utilities, maintenance or any other costs that come with managing an office.  

Low Cost And Flexible

When you think about a traditional office, you need to sign a long-term lease or rental agreement that ties you down for the length of time stated. This can be stressful if circumstances change within that time and you get burdened with financial worries. With coworking spaces, you get the flexibility of choosing where you work and how long you pay for your space. There are no contracts or hidden fees to worry about, and you just sign up for a membership and pay-as-you-go when you work. Not to mention the facilities you get included in the price mentioned earlier. It’s worth every penny! 

Chances To Network

Flexible office space in London is an excellent way to network with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. You will get inspired with new ideas from having conversations with people who have different experiences to share, or you might even find a new partnership that helps boost your business. You just never know who you might meet each day and how it can positively affect your work. 

Increases Productivity

There’s no doubt that people are more productive when surrounded by like-minded, encouraging and energised people. The community spirit found in coworking spaces helps you feel motivated to get some good work done. Much better than working from home, where you can get easily distracted and feel isolated. It’s much harder for some people to get themselves motivated when working alone. Also, having a bigger space to keep things organised will definitely help you be more productive. 

Better Work-Life Balance 

Working in the same space that you live in has its disadvantages. You can get easily distracted by things that might need doing around the home or by members of your family that might be there while you’re trying to work. It’s much harder to get work done and can leave you feeling like you don’t get any respite. You’ll be much more productive working in a dedicated workspace where you can focus your attention solely on the jobs you need to get done.  

People Thrive In Coworking Spaces

With all of those benefits mentioned, it’s no wonder that people flourish in their work when renting private office space in London and other locations. Here are a few ways people feel they thrive in coworking spaces: 

Feel Part Of A Community 

The experience and vibes you get from these workspaces certainly have that sense of community spirit. The connections you make from socialising with others, and the energetic atmosphere are a big reason people pay to use these spaces. Even when focusing on work and you don’t want to interact as much, you still feel like you’re part of a “team”.  

Have More Control 

Choosing private office space rental is so flexible that you get more control over how you work than you would in a traditional office setting. If you have a big project that needs great concentration, you can choose to work longer days in a quieter location. If you are struggling in getting stimulated, you can choose a coworking space that is directly in the midst of a buzzing environment where you can get motivated by connecting with other people. The way you work is entirely in your control and is a wonderful advantage to coworking. 

Work Feels Meaningful 

Many people feel like they’re part of a social movement rather than just being someone who turns up to work. Coworking makes people feel more valued knowing that it’s sustainable, you’re always learning, there are opportunities for collaboration and being part of a community. Also, working with people who do different kinds of work can make you stand out more and feel like you have more of an identity.  

As you can see, there are many parts of renting private office space in London or elsewhere that are important for people wanting to work remotely without the corporate feel. If you feel that coworking is right for you, why not browse our website to find out more. You never know where your work might take you and what inspiration you might find.